WALDWICK, N.J. -- Chris Melvin, the chief talent scout for the Elite College Combine held here Monday, guaranteed that West Virginia offeree Christopher Palmer would be on hand at the Superdome Sports Complex, "but there will be some other good defensive linemen here too."

Melvin was right on both counts.

Palmer, the athletic defensive tackle that West Virginia would like to woo to Morgantown along with his Philadelphia buddy, Jewhan Edwards, made a big showing at the combine here which brings together among the best players in the East.

Palmer, accompanied here by father Rudy, has yet to be blocked in the dozen or so reps he took against Elite offensive linemen. He is a blur off the ball and uses a combination of moves to get free of blockers in the shirts-and-shorts drills.